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Commissioner Updates Riverside Tragedy

August - 1st - 2012 - BPD Continue To Investigate Riverside Tragedy

UPDATED: August 2nd, 2012:

Commissioner Daniel Derenda announced Thursday morning that the child who was killed is 4 year old Roderick Geiger. Commissioner Derenda also identified the individual who was shot by police as 38 year old Charlene Fears. The commissioner also said that following an initial investigation into the officer-involved shooting, that the actions of the officers appear to be justifiable. Commissioner Derenda also stressed that the investigation is ongoing at this time.

Buffalo police continued to gather evidence in a house in the city's Riverside section, where a child was mortally wounded and his grandmother shot by police.

Around 4:15pm Wednesday, two officers on routine patrol were flagged down in front of a house at 193-195 Esser Avenue - described as a double dwelling with a common front porch area.

Simultaneously a call was received by 911 personnel regarding a child having been assaulted.

"As the officers approached the residence to determine what happened, and render aid, they discovered the four year old boy bleeding profusely on the porch," said Dennis J. Richards, chief of detectives. "The 38 year old woman, who has been identified as the maternal grandmother of the four year old, charged towards the officers, armed with two large knives," Richards said.

Police shot and killed the woman as she lunged towards the officers, and they repeatedly ordered her to drop the weapons.

The child was rushed by ambulance to Women and Childrens' Hospital but later died there, as a result of his injuries, Richards said.

Homicide Squad and Crime Scene Unit personnel continued to check for evidence at the scene, and determine what took place before the officers' arrival. Additionally, the Internal Affairs Division is conducting an investigation into the officer-involved shooting, which is departmental protocol.